The Data

Adding to our robustsuite of Texas legislative tools, we've rolled out a new 84th Lege page — complete with an upgraded bill tracker and curated lists of the must-watch issues of the session across nearly a dozen different policy areas. It’s all part of our effort to bring you the most comprehensive and convenient legislative coverage in Texas.

We’ve revamped our Hospitals Explorer, using the most recent Medicare data analyzed by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Use our updated tool to learn more about the quality of care available at Texas hospitals that reported Medicare data.

The Texas Department of Transportation has spent about $10.6 million in education costs since 2002, nearly half what state agencies have spent in total on tuition reimbursements and other educational programs. Check out our breakdown.

The Rio Grande has been the lifeblood of the valleys and civilizations it flowed through for more than 3,000 years. As cities and farms suck it dry and a warming climate makes it evaporate faster, the river's future has never been more uncertain.

On June 19, Colin McDonald began exploring the incredibly important Rio Grande from its source in Colorado. Here are 10 posts that give a good representation, both in words and photos, of the journey. You can follow along here for the rest of his trip.